If you’ve ever noticed a tiny orange dot in the top corner of your iPhone screen, you’ve probably wondered what it symbolizes. This strange dot, which appears to be innocuous but is actually quite concerning, has perplexed and alarmed many users.
`The rumor mill has produced tales about this dot being an indication that someone is secretly listening in on your talks, sending shivers down your spine and prompting concern. However, the truth is not as ominous as the misconceptions spreading on social media would have you assume.
With the release of iOS 14, Apple added these colored indicators as a security feature. The orange dot indicates that an app is now using your iPhone’s microphone. Similarly, its green equivalent denotes an app that uses either the camera or both the camera and microphone functions.
When to Worry (And When Not To)
Contrary to popular belief, the presence of an orange dot does not necessarily indicate that someone is listening in on your talks. Instead, it merely refers to a program that uses the microphone. It could be a social media site or chat app that needs access to the microphone to function properly.
If the orange dot makes you anxious, you may control app permissions on your iPhone. Go to Settings, then Privacy and Security, and finally Microphone. From there, you can select which apps can access your microphone and withdraw permissions for those you are unhappy with.
Managing iPhone’s Orange Dot
When that tiny orange dot appears, here’s how you can take control of your iPhone’s privacy:
Step 1: Investigate the culprit
Swipe down from the upper right corner of your screen to reach the Command Center. If an app recently used your microphone, a notification will show on top. Tap it to reveal the app responsible for the dot.
Step 2: Take Control in the Settings
If you locate an app to which you are uncomfortable providing microphone access, it is time to change. Navigate to iPhone Settings, then Privacy, then finally Microphone. You can evaluate which apps have requested access to your microphone and adjust permissions accordingly.
Step 3: Adjusting the Accessibility Settings
For individuals who find the orange dot bothersome or confusing, there is an option to change its look to a square. Navigate to Settings, select Accessibility, and then Display & Text Size. To transform the orange dot into a square shape, toggle on “Differentiate Without Color”.
Extra iPhone Measures for Peace of Mind
Remember, it’s not just about the orange dot; it’s about being comfortable with how your apps use your device’s functionality. If you’re concerned about camera access, the green dot, or general app permissions, repeat the procedures in Privacy settings to control access to your camera and other features.
Ultimately, your iPhone gives you control over app permissions. You have the authority to authorize or refuse access to any data gathering device, including the microphone and camera.
The presence of an orange dot on your iPhone is not reason for alarm. With an understanding of its significance and the ability to change app permissions, you can confidently traverse your device’s privacy landscape.
Understanding the orange dot’s purpose allows you to make more educated decisions about your privacy settings. It is not a hint of impending danger, but rather a warning that an app is accessing your microphone. By remaining aware and maintaining your app permissions, you can maintain control over your iPhone’s privacy and use it confidently.
A 69-year-old woman who was missing has been found dead in an uncovered manhole in northeast Harris County, according to her family.
A family is looking for answers after a 69-year-old woman, Josefina Montesdeoca, was found dead in a manhole behind their home in Harris County, Texas.
Josefina was reported missing on September 13. Her daughter, Stephanie Lopez, said they searched for her around FM-1960 and Kuykendahl but couldn’t find her. Stephanie shared her mother’s phone location, but it seemed to be off, so they contacted the Harris County Sheriff’s Office to report her missing.
A deputy asked a few questions, gave them a case number, and left. When the family didn’t hear back the next day, they called the missing persons unit, only to find out it was closed on weekends. A search and rescue group wouldn’t help because they needed the sheriff’s approval.
Luckily, friends from church helped search on Sunday and quickly found Josefina. Stephanie recalled the moment, saying, “They found her! I thought she was sitting up, not in that hole.” She believes her mother was praying at the bottom of the manhole, hoping to be found.
The uncovered manhole was on the property of an apartment complex behind their home. There is a lot of overgrown land between the complex and their home. Stephanie’s husband said the man who found her had to move grass to see her body.
They are still unsure why Josefina was in that area, as she usually didn’t go there. Since her death, “do not enter” and “private property” signs have been put up, and the manhole has been covered.
During their search, the family also found an unfinished pool and rescued a stranded dog, naming it Joseph after Josefina, who loved dogs.
ABC13 is trying to find out who is responsible for the manhole’s maintenance. The medical examiner has not yet determined the cause of Josefina’s death, and the family has been told it could take months for answers.
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